Abolitionist Place is a 1.15 acre of public open space currently under construction that will bring much-needed open space to the heart of bustling Downtown Brooklyn. In 2021, New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) announced that the City would allocate $15 million to construction of the park, and since ground broke on the project in 2022, progress has proceeded swiftly, with the park slated for opening in Spring 2024.
Designed by renowned landscape architecture firm Hargreaves Jones, plans include a children’s play area, lawn space, dog run, waterplay feature, and multiple seating areas. The project is part of the Downtown Brooklyn Redevelopment Plan, a set of space and infrastructure commitments made in 2004 to reinvigorate the neighborhood and celebrate the area’s unique heritage.
Abolitionist Place is half a block from famous Fulton Mall, and framed by some of the neighborhood’s most notable recent developments, including One Willoughby Square, Brooklyn Point, City Point, OneForty One, and The Brooklyn Tower. In 2021, the former Willoughby Square was renamed Abolitionist Place, commemorating the 19th century abolitionist movement.
construction update: december 2023
DBP is proud of its role in creating this long-awaited public square in the heart of Downtown Brooklyn that will provide green space and community amenities to the neighborhood, further enhancing the growing commercial, residential, and cultural hub. Upon completion, DBP will assume responsibility for maintenance and programming of the space. We cannot wait to welcome you to this wonderful new park!
To see how far construction has progressed, take a look at these photos from July 2023:
